Saudi- 56 shops closed for violating labor laws

(MENAFN- Arab News) Acting on tip-offs the Ministry of Labor closed down 56 establishments related to the public auction market in the Al-Khumra neighborhood in Jeddah and filed another 81 violations of the labor regulations following a crack down in coordination with security teams.

Director General of the Ministry of Labor's branch in Makkah Abdulmunem Al-Shahri said the ministry received a call from a citizen about the presence of suspicious workers involved in a number of illegal activities and without valid licenses in Al-Khumrah.

He said that the violators were apprehended and 56 establishments shut down. He added that the establishments would only be able to resume operations after they rectify their situation. More than 81 violations were registered which included expatriates working in professions not stated on their residency permits and working in shops selling women's accessories.

Al-Shahri said a number of the branch's inspectors and the markets' committee were assigned daily visits to the establishments spread over five popular markets in Al-Khumrah area. He said the weekly inspection raids ensured that business owners and workers are committed to the labor system in the area in addition to documenting the violations and proving them in the field.

He confirmed that inspection raids will continue in all parts of the Kingdom for an indefinite period. He pointed out that achieving sound implementation of labor laws calls on everyone to carry out their responsibilities. He urged citizens to report any violations of the labor laws.